Judging from the workmanship and treatment of the lining, this shoe most likely dates from the 1970’s. These marvelous Sharkskin Norwegians are beautifully hand-lasted, Goodyear welted. The skins are soft and pliable as new; Sharkskin is extremely durable as evidenced here. This pair is in superb condition. The colour of these shoes is a medium to light Brown with Black undertones and has the characteristic subtle natural shimmer of Sharkskin; a beautiful and eye catching effect. This material, among the rarest from which shoes can be made, far more rare than any Alligator shoe, possesses a quiet elegance that signal extremes of luxury without the slightest ostentation.

The use of Sharkskin in the making of shoes, now no longer done for reasons of conservation, is a largely American phenomenon. The two major producers were Footjoy and Allen Edmonds but this Stuart McGuire example makes a fine showing. One does see quite some variation from one pair to the next in the selection of skins; these being a rather more dramatic grain than used in the usual examples. The effect is rather striking and very luxurious. A glamourous shoe, extravagantly elegant in the use of materials and still absolutely understated and without a hint of ostentation.

I cannot sufficiently emphasize the rarity of such a shoe. It is far more rare than any Alligator shoe, or, indeed, any other exotic skinned shoe. An indestructible and, not surprisingly, rather waterproof shoe. Only available today from a custom shoemaker, thus the replacement cost must be seen to be in the thousands. Certainly one of the most beautiful and glamourous shoes ever made in America, superior in construction, materials and appearance to any modern offering.

Size: US 10.5D....(UK 9.5)..... Correct for a European 44D, medium width.

Condition: New and unworn, showing slight scuffing of the soles from shelf storage.